A Bike Ride Where Heaven and Earth Meet

Over 7,500 years ago a massive volcanic eruption took place throwing earth and lava skyward in an explosion 40 times more powerful than Mount St. Helens in Washington State.  Soon after the eruption of ancient Mount Mazama the volcano collapsed onto itself and a vast crater was formed.  Slowly over a period of about 250 years the crater filled with water and melted snow. As time progressed the lake that was created through natures’ fury would have a water depth of nearly 2,000 feet.  It is today Crater Lake, Oregon and it is the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world.  The lake is roughly six miles by five miles across so the depth occurs quickly. The dive is just about straight down.  

Crater Lake in addition to its record depth may very well be, as some naturalists suggest, the cleanest body of water in America.  Because no streams or rivers flow into the lake, no pollution is carried in by any tributary.  As a result, the water is clear and an azure blue. The clarity was once measured down to 134 feet.  At the top of the rim of the crater on clear days it appears as if clouds are floating on the water due to the reflection created by a flat calm lake.   It is a place where heaven and earth meet.

 Since 1896 the stump of a hemlock tree has been floating freely in Crater Lake.  Known as the “Old Man of the Lake” the stump is about 30 feet in length with about four feet extending above water.  The Old Man has been weathered to a near alabaster white but it does not age due to the cold water temperatures.  Winds move the stump to various parts of the lake but it is always there, and has been for over 100 years.  Two islands can be found in the lake: Wizard Island and Phantom Ship Island.  Wizard Island is a volcanic cone rising from the lake bottom and Phantom Ship is a rather spooky looking rock formation that in foggy conditions appears to be a ghost ship. 

The rim of Crater Lake has a 33-mile loop that is appropriately-named, Rim Drive (pictured).  It is blacktopped and perfect for road cycling.  It might be best to drive to the rim first--it is 6,500 feet in the sky.  You will still be able to get in some good climbs if that is what you are after because the rim offers ascents of 800 feet all the way up to 3,800 feet.  The highest peak is an astounding 9,929 feet.  It is a very challenging 33 miles.  Unfortunately the ride is only available about three months of the year due to heavy snows that begin in September and continue to the end of May.  But fear not avid rider, Oregon gets a lot of things right when it comes to cycling.  The state hosts over 4,000 cycling events annually and the Oregon Coast Bike Route was the first to be designated a Scenic Bike Route in the U.S.

Crater Lake is a National Park and open to the public.  The historic Crater Lake Lodge is the only non-camping facility within the park.  We have a quick two minute video tour of Crater Lake on our website www.stickybottleteam.net.